Aerosol-generating device with adaption to ambient environment

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge comprises a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet (22) and an upstream end comprising an air inlet (16). The cartridge further comprises a liquid storage portion (12) arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end. The liquid storage portion comprises a liquid sensorial media (14). The cartridge further comprises a diffuser (20). The diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet. The invention further relates to a kit comprising at least two cartridges and to an aerosol-generating device.

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device.

Aerosol-generating devices are known. One type of aerosol-generatingdevice is an electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarettes typically use aliquid aerosol-forming substrate which is vaporized to form an aerosol.“Heat-not-burn” (HNB) devices may heat one or more solid aerosol-formingsubstrates to a temperature at which one or more components of theaerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the solidaerosol-forming substrate. In addition, hybrid aerosol-generatingdevices, having both liquid aerosol-forming functionality and HNBfunctionality are known. All three of these devices, liquidaerosol-forming devices or electronic cigarettes, HNB devices and hybriddevices are aerosol-generating devices.

In aerosol-generating devices, ambient air is drawn into the device forgenerating an inhalable aerosol. Ambient conditions, particularlytemperature and humidity, may influence the generated aerosol due todifferences in the ambient air that is drawn into the aerosol-generatingdevice

It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device withconsistent aerosol generation. It would be desirable to have anaerosol-generating device, in which the influence of the conditions ofthe ambient air drawn into the aerosol-generating device are minimizedor eliminated.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided acartridge for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may comprise adownstream end comprising a fluid outlet and an upstream end comprisingan air inlet. The cartridge may further comprise a liquid storageportion arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end. Theliquid storage portion may comprise a liquid sensorial media. Thecartridge may further comprise a diffuser. The diffuser may be arrangeddownstream of the air inlet.

The diffuser may create bubbles, when air enters into the cartridge viathe air inlet. When the air bubbles pass the liquid storage portion ofthe cartridge, the liquid sensorial media maybe entrained in the airbubbles. The amount of liquid sensorial media entrained in the airflowing through the cartridge may be increased by providing thediffuser.

The diffuser may be attached to the air inlet. The diffuser may befluidly attached to the air inlet. The diffuser may be fluidly connectedwith the air inlet. By attaching the diffuser in this way, air drawninto the cartridge may be fully drawn through the diffuser.

The diffuser may be arranged adjacent the air inlet. The air drawn intothe cartridge will flow through the diffuser according to thisconfiguration of the diffuser.

The diffuser may be disc-shaped. The diffuser may be pad-shaped. Such ashape of the diffuser may lead to air being laterally distributedthrough the diffuser. The lateral distribution of the air may lead to alarge amount of small bubbles of air being created and being drawnthrough the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The term ‘lateral’refers to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thecartridge.

The diffuser may comprise a plurality of fibers. The diffuser maycomprise a plurality of interstices. The interstices may be arrangedbetween the fibers. The diffuser may comprise a mesh. The fibers mayconstitute the mesh. The interstices may be arranged between the fibersconstituting the mesh. This shape of the diffuser may lead to theformation of bubbles, when air flows through the diffuser and into theliquid storage portion.

The diffuser may be arranged within the liquid storage portion. The airinlet of the cartridge may be arranged in the outer confinement of theliquid storage portion.

A fluid path may be established between the air inlet, the diffuser, theliquid storage portion and the fluid outlet.

The air inlet may be configured to enable ambient air to be drawn intothe cartridge. The term ‘ambient air’ refers to air surrounding thecartridge. If the cartridge is received in an aerosol-generating device,as described in more detail below, ‘ambient air’ refers to airsurrounding the cartridge as well as the aerosol-generating device. Theambient air may be drawn into the cartridge by a user drawing on theaerosol-generating device, such as a mouthpiece of theaerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating article received inthe cavity of the aerosol-generating device. As a consequence of theuser drawing on the aerosol-generating device, a negative pressure maybe created within the aerosol-generating device. This negative pressuremay lead to a negative pressure being applied to the air outlet of thecartridge. As a consequence, air may be drawn through the cartridge. Theair being drawn through the cartridge may be the ambient air that entersthe cartridge through the air inlet.

The fluid outlet may be configured to enable fluid to be drawn out ofthe cartridge. Predominantly, the ambient air drawn through thecartridge and enriched with the liquid sensorial media will be drawn outof the fluid outlet.

The fluid outlet may comprise a one-way valve. As a consequence, fluidmay be prevented from entering the cartridge through the fluid outlet.The one-way valve may be configured to open in response to a pressuredrop in the top airflow channel as described in more detail below. Theone-way valve may prevent contamination of the liquid storage portion byhindering any residues from entering into the liquid storage portion viathe fluid outlet.

The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may protrude from the downstreamend of the cartridge.

The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may be made of plastic, preferablyEPDM or PEEK.

The air inlet may comprise a one-way valve. As a consequence, fluid maybe prevented from exiting the cartridge through the fluid inlet. Theone-way valve may open in response to a pressure drop in the liquidstorage portion. The one-way valve may prevent leakage of liquid out ofthe air inlet at the distal end of the cartridge.

The one-way valve of the air inlet may protrude from the upstream end.

The one-way valve of the air inlet may be made of plastic, preferablyEPDM or PEEK.

The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may have a smaller diameter thanthe one-way valve of the air inlet. As a consequence, multiplecartridges may be stacked on top of each other. In more detail, arelatively large one-way valve of an air inlet of a cartridge may beplaced on top of a relatively small one-one-way valve of the air outletof a cartridge. In this way, at least two cartridges, preferably morethan two cartridges, may be stacked on top of each other. Stickingcartridges on top of each other may lead to ambient air beingsubsequently drawn through all of these cartridges. This embodiment maybe beneficial, if multiple cartridges are used by a user at the sametime. Potentially, this may increase the liquid sensorial mediaentrained by the ambient air drawn through the cartridges. As a furtheroption, different liquid sensorial media may be provided in thedifferent cartridges. A combination of the different liquid sensorialmedia maybe entrained in the ambient air drawn through these cartridges.

The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may have a diameter of between0.75 millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably of between 1 millimetersto 5 millimeters, most preferable of between 1.5 millimeters to 3millimeters. The diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid outletrefers to the outer diameter.

The one-way valve of the air inlet may have a diameter of between 8millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 15millimeters. The diameter of the one-way valve of the air inlet refersto the outer diameter.

Preferably, the diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid outletcorresponds to an inner diameter of the one-way valve of the fluidinlet. In this way, multiple cartridges can be stacked on top of eachother by pushing the fluid outlet of one cartridge into the air inlet ofanother cartridge. Between the fluid outlet of one cartridge and the airinlet of another cartridge, a connection may be established. Theconnection may be a friction fit. Alternatively, the connection may beestablished by any known connection means.

The cartridge may have a height of between 7 millimeters to 40millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters, mostpreferable of between 11 millimeters to 21 millimeters.

The cartridge may comprise a housing.

The housing may have a thickness of between 0.25 millimeters to 2millimeters, preferable of between 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters,most preferable of between 0.35 millimeters to 0.75 millimeters.

The housing may have a double wall. A double wall may prevent leakage ofliquid sensorial media from the liquid storage portion, if the outerwall of the housing is damaged.

The housing may comprise a transparent plastic or glass, preferablyborosilicate glass. The housing may be at least partly opaque ortransparent. The housing may be fully opaque or transparent. Preferably,the housing is transparent such that a user can see into the liquidstorage portion. The liquid storage portion may be transparent. A usermay thus see what kind of liquid sensorial media is contained in theliquid storage portion. Further, a user may see the filling status ofthe liquid storage portion.

The opaque or transparent part of the cartridge may be UV-resistant. Theopaque or transparent part of the cartridge may comprise a UV-resistantpolymer. The opaque or transparent part of the cartridge may comprise aUV-resistant coating. UV-resistance may increase the shelf life of theliquid sensorial media of the liquid storage portion.

The air inlet may be arranged in the housing. The air inlet may connectthe outer environment with the inner of the liquid storage portion. Thefluid outlet may be arranged in the housing. The fluid outlet mayconnect the inner of the liquid storage portion with the outerenvironment.

The cartridge may be cylindrical. The cartridge may have a circularcross-section. Alternatively, the cartridge may be angular. Thecartridge may have square or rectangular cross-section.

The downstream end may comprise electrical connection means. Theupstream end may comprise electrical connection means. Between thedownstream end electrical connection means and the upstream endelectrical connection means, and electrical connection may be provided.If the cartridge is received in the aerosol-generating device, asdescribed in more detail below, electrical current may flow through thecartridge by means of the electrical connection means and the electricalconnection.

The liquid sensorial media may comprise a flavorant. The liquidsensorial media may comprise nicotine. The liquid sensorial media maycomprise water. If the cartridge is received in an aerosol-generatingdevice, the air drawn through the cartridge will be used for aerosolgeneration in the aerosol-generating device. The generated aerosol maybe modified by the liquid sensorial media of the cartridge. Exemplarily,the flavor of the generated aerosol may be modified by the flavorant ofthe liquid sensorial media. Similarly, the nicotine content of thegenerated aerosol may be modified. Water of the liquid sensorial mediamay increase the humidity of the air being used for aerosol generation.Water is a particularly preferred embodiment, since the aerosolgeneration may be made more consistent by providing water in thecartridge. Preferably, the liquid sensorial media may consist of water.Particularly if the aerosol generation should be consistent in differentenvironments, such as dry and humid conditions, providing a cartridgecontaining water may lead to a consistent humidity of the air beingdrawn through the cartridge and being subsequently used for aerosolgeneration in the aerosol-generating device. A more consistent aerosolgeneration may be the result of this embodiment.

The invention further relates to a kit comprising at least twocartridges as described herein.

The kit may comprise two or more series-connected cartridges. Aseries-connection of cartridges may be realized by connecting arespective downstream end of a cartridge with a respective upstream endof another cartridge. Particularly, as described herein, the one-wayvalves of the cartridges may protrude from the respective ends of thecartridges. These protruding one-way valves may be connected to eachother. A one-way valve of a fluid outlet of one cartridge may be fluidlyconnected with a one-way valve of an air inlet of another cartridge.

The kit may comprise two or more parallel-connected cartridges. In thisembodiment, the cartridges may be arranged adjacent each other. Thecartridges may be arranged laterally adjacent to each other. If thesecartridges are used in an aerosol-generating device, ambient air may bedrawn parallel through the cartridges at the same time.

The liquid sensorial media of one cartridge may be different from theliquid sensorial media of the other cartridge. This embodiment isparticularly preferred, since using cartridges with different liquidsensorial media gives the user the opportunity to modify the aerosolgenerated by the aerosol-generating device in a desired way. Forexample, a desired flavor may be combined with a desired nicotinecontent.

The liquid sensorial media of one cartridge may comprise one ofnicotine, flavorant and water and the liquid sensorial media of theother cartridge may comprise a different one of nicotine, flavorant andwater.

As an alternative embodiment, instead of providing a kit comprising atleast two separate cartridges, a single cartridge may be provided withat least two liquid storage portions.

The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may comprise two or moreindividual liquid storage compartments. Each liquid storage compartmentmay comprise a liquid comprising a liquid sensorial media. Theindividual liquid storage compartments may comprise identical liquids.Alternatively, at least one liquid storage compartment may comprise aliquid composition which differs from a liquid composition of anotherliquid storage compartment. At least one liquid storage compartment maycomprise a liquid sensorial media which differs from a liquid sensorialmedia of another liquid storage compartment.

Each liquid storage compartment may have an individual compartment airinlet and an individual compartment liquid outlet. The cartridge maycomprise means for one or both of individually opening and individuallyclosing one or both of the compartment air inlet and the compartmentliquid outlet.

The liquid storage portion may comprise two or more series-connectedliquid storage compartments. The liquid storage portion may comprise twoor more series-connected liquid storage compartments such that, when thecartridge is attached to both the top portion and the main portion, acontinuous fluid connection is provided along the main and top airflowchannels from the main air inlet to the cavity via the liquid storageportion of the cartridge, wherein the fluid connection is providedsubsequently through the two or more series-connected liquid storagecompartments of the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

The liquid storage portion may comprise two or more parallel-connectedliquid storage compartments. The liquid storage portion may comprise twoor more parallel-connected liquid storage compartments such that, whenthe cartridge is attached to both the top portion and the main portion,a continuous fluid connection is provided along the main and top airflowchannels from the main air inlet to the cavity via one of theparallel-connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid storageportion of the cartridge. Alternatively, the liquid storage portion maycomprise two or more parallel-connected liquid storage compartments suchthat, when the cartridge is attached to both the top portion and themain portion, a continuous fluid connection is provided along the mainand top airflow channels from the main air inlet to the cavity via atleast two of the parallel-connected liquid storage compartments of theliquid storage portion of the cartridge.

The liquid storage portion may be configured such that the user maychoose between the two or more parallel-connected liquid storagecompartments to provide the fluid connection and to participate in theaerosol generation. A user may thus choose between different liquidsensorial media stored in the different parallel-connected liquidstorage compartments. A cartridge may be provided which can be used indifferent configurations generating different types of aerosols.

Alternatively or in addition, an aerosol being modified by asuperimposition of different liquid sensorial media from differentliquid storage compartments may be generated. For example, differentliquid sensorial media comprising different flavorants may be used indifferent liquid storage compartments. A user may thus create a specificflavour combining different flavorants by selecting a specificcombination of liquid storage compartments to participate inaerosol-generation.

The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may comprise bothparallel-connected and series-connected liquid storage compartments.

By means of the parallel-connected liquid storage compartments and,alternatively or in addition, the series-connected liquid storagecompartments various different types and configurations of cartridgesmay be selected.

By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges, theuser experience is modifiable. By means of the different types andconfigurations of cartridges, the user experience is modifiable by theuser. By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges,the user experience is more easily modifiable. By means of the differenttypes and configurations of cartridges, the flavor of the generatedaerosol is modifiable. By means of the different types andconfigurations of cartridges, the nicotine-content of the generatedaerosol is modifiable.

As used herein the term ‘liquid sensorial media’ relates to a liquidcomposition capable of modifying an airflow in contact with the liquidsensorial media. The modification of the airflow may be one or more offorming an aerosol or a vapor, cooling an airflow, and filtering anairflow. For example, the liquid sensorial media may comprise anaerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds thatcan form an aerosol or a vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-formingsubstrate in the liquid sensorial media is a flavorant or comprises aflavorant. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid sensorial media maycomprise one or both of a cooling substance for cooling an airflowpassing through the liquid sensorial media and a filter substance forcapturing unwanted components in the airflow. Water may be used as acooling substance. Water may be used as a filtering substance forcapturing particles such as dust particles from the airflow. Water mayincrease humidity of the airflow. The liquid sensorial media may serveas one or more of a nicotine providing liquid, a flavor enhancer, and avolume enhancer.

Each individual liquid storage portion compartment preferably comprisesa diffusor as described herein.

The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity for receiving anaerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate. Theaerosol-generating device may be configured to removably receive acartridge as described herein or a kit as described herein.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a receiving region forreceiving a cartridge. The receiving region is preferably arrangedupstream of the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. A user may drawon the mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol generated by theaerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw onthe aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an airflow channel. Theairflow channel may start at an air inlet of the aerosol-generatingdevice. Downstream of the air inlet, the airflow channel may lead to thereceiving region. If the cartridge is received in the receiving region,the airflow channel may fluidly connect the air inlet of theaerosol-generating device with the air inlet of the cartridge receivedin the receiving region. Subsequently, the air may be drawn through thecartridge as described herein. The airflow channel may continuedownstream of the fluid outlet of the cartridge towards the cavity ofthe aerosol-generating device. In the cavity, the air enriched with theliquid sensorial media of the cartridge may flow through theaerosol-generating article received in the cavity. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element for heating theair and the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. As result, theaerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article may beheated together with the air flowing into the cavity from the airflowchannel. The aerosol may be generated as a consequence and subsequentlyinhaled by the user.

The aerosol-generating device may be used with a cartridge beingattached to the aerosol-generating device and with an aerosol-generatingarticle being received in the cavity. Therefore, an inhalable aerosolmay contain a mixture of substances derived from both a liquid sensorialmedia comprised in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge and anaerosol-forming substrate comprised in the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may be used with a cartridge beingattached to the aerosol-generating device, but without anaerosol-generating article being received in the cavity. Therefore, aninhalable aerosol may contain substances derived from the liquidsensorial media comprised in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge,only.

The aerosol-generating device may be used without a cartridge beingattached to the aerosol-generating device, but with anaerosol-generating article being received in the cavity. Therefore, aninhalable aerosol may contain substances derived from theaerosol-forming substrate comprised in the aerosol-generating article,only.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to removably attach thecartridge. Thereby, the cartridge may be easily replaced by the user.The user may replace an emptied cartridge. The user may select betweendifferent cartridges holding different liquids. The different cartridgesmay be colour-coded with different colours such that the user may easilydistinguish between the different liquids.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end intowhich the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be aproximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end.The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may beclosed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base.The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may becircular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity.The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity mayhave an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal centralaxis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending betweenthe open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. Thelongitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have acylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. Thecavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of theaerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity mayhave a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical orrectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diametercorresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

The cavity may be adapted such that air may flow through the cavity. Thetop airflow channel may extend into the cavity. The liquid storageportion of a cartridge may be fluidly connected with the cavity via thetop airflow channel. Ambient air may be drawn into theaerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user. Theopen end of the cavity may comprise the air outlet. Downstream of thecavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on theaerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through themouthpiece.

The cavity may be arranged in a top portion of the aerosol-generatingdevice. Additionally, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a mainportion. The receiving region for receiving the cartridge may bearranged between the top portion and the main portion. The cartridge maybe sandwiched between the top portion of the main portion.

The top portion may comprise a heating element and the main portion maycomprise a power supply for powering the heating element. The powersupply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ionbattery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydridebattery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, forexample a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate ora lithium-polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may beanother form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The powersupply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables tostore enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, thepower supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generateaerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multipleof six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficientcapacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discreteactivations of the heating element.

The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In oneembodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supplyvoltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply currentin the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply inthe range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts). The aerosol-generating device mayadvantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC)inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply toan alternating current. The DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D,Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The power supply may be configuredto provide the alternating current.

The power supply may be adapted to power an induction coil and may beconfigured to operate at high frequency. A Class-E power amplifier ispreferable for operating at high frequency. As used herein, the term‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current havinga frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The highfrequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertzto 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and morepreferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

In another embodiment the switching frequency of the power amplifier maybe in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In theembodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used,switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularlyadvantageous. A switching transistor will have a ramp-up and ramp-downtime, a down time and an on time. Hence, if in a Class-D power amplifiera set of two or four (operating in pairs) switching transistors areused, a switching frequency in the lower kHz range will take intoaccount a necessary down time of one transistor before the second one isramped-up, in order to avoid a destruction of the power amplifier.

The heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material.Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limitedto: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically “conductive”ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon,graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramicmaterial and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprisedoped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics includedoped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium,zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitablemetal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-,aluminium- titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-,tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- andiron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt,stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. Incomposite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionallybe embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material orvice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and theexternal physicochemical properties required.

The heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. Theaerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or anexternal heating element, or both internal and external heatingelements, where “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol-formingsubstrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. Forexample, an internal heating element may take the form of a heatingblade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casingor substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or anelectrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internalheating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that runthrough the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternativesinclude a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni—Cr(Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate.Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on arigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electricallyresistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a definedrelationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplarydevice, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulatingmaterial, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in anotherinsulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner maybe used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elementsduring operation.

An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, anexternal heating element may take the form of one or more flexibleheating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexibleheating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substratereceiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may takethe form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board,a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbonfibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasmavapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heatingelement may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationshipbetween temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, themetal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulatingmaterials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be usedto both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating elementduring operation.

The internal or external heating element may comprise a heat sink, orheat reservoir comprising a material capable of absorbing and storingheat and subsequently releasing the heat over time to theaerosol-forming substrate. The heat sink may be formed of any suitablematerial, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In oneembodiment, the material has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storagematerial), or is a material capable of absorbing and subsequentlyreleasing heat via a reversible process, such as a high temperaturephase change. Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silicagel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, glass fibre, minerals, a metal or alloysuch as aluminium, silver or lead, and a cellulose material such aspaper. Other suitable materials which release heat via a reversiblephase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax,polyethylene oxide, a metal, metal salt, a mixture of eutectic salts oran alloy. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be arranged such that itis directly in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and cantransfer the stored heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, theheat stored in the heat sink or heat reservoir may be transferred to theaerosol-forming substrate by means of a heat conductor, such as ametallic tube.

The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrateby means of heat conduction. The heating element may be at leastpartially in contact with the substrate, or the carrier on which thesubstrate is deposited. Alternatively, the heat from either an internalor external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by meansof a heat conductive element.

During operation, the aerosol-forming substrate may be completelycontained within the aerosol-generating device. In that case, a user maypuff on a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively,during operation a smoking article containing the aerosol-formingsubstrate may be partially contained within the aerosol-generatingdevice. In that case, the user may puff directly on the smoking article.

The heating element of the aerosol-generating device may comprise aresistive heating element. The heating element of the top portion maycomprise a resistive heating element. The heating element of theaerosol-generating device may comprise an induction heating element. Theheating element of the top portion may comprise an induction heatingelement.

The induction heating element may be configured to generate heat bymeans of induction. The induction heating element may comprise aninduction coil and a susceptor arrangement. A single induction coil maybe provided. A single susceptor arrangement may be provided. Preferably,more than a single induction coil is provided. A first induction coiland a second induction coil may be provided. Preferably, more than asingle susceptor arrangement is provided. The induction heating elementmay comprise a central susceptor arrangement and a peripheral susceptorarrangement.

The central susceptor arrangement may be a tubular susceptor. Theinduction heating element may comprise a peripheral induction coil and atubular susceptor. The tubular susceptor may circumscribe at least aportion of the top airflow channel.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be an additional tubularsusceptor. The additional tubular susceptor may circumscribe at least aportion of the cavity.

The induction heating element may comprise a peripheral induction coil,a tubular susceptor, and an additional tubular susceptor. The inductioncoil, the tubular susceptor, and the additional tubular susceptor may becoaxially aligned.

The central susceptor arrangement may comprise a central susceptor. Thecentral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two centralsusceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise more than twocentral susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise fourcentral susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may consist offour central susceptors. At least one of, preferably all, of the centralsusceptor(s) may be elongate.

The central susceptor may be arranged parallel to the longitudinalcentral axis of the cavity. If multiple central susceptors are provided,each central susceptor may be arranged equidistant parallel to thelongitudinal central axis of the cavity.

A downstream end portion of the central susceptor arrangement may berounded, preferably bend inwards towards the central longitudinal axisof the cavity. A downstream end portion of the central susceptor may berounded, preferably bend inwards towards the central longitudinal axisof the cavity. If multiple central susceptors are provided, preferablyeach downstream end portion of each central susceptor may be rounded,preferably bend inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of thecavity. The rounded end portion may facilitate insertion of theaerosol-generating article over the central susceptor arrangement.Alternatively to a rounded end portion, the end portion may be taperedor chamfered towards the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.

The central susceptor arrangement may be arranged around the centrallongitudinal axis of the cavity. If multiple central susceptors areprovided, the central susceptors may be arranged in a ring-shapedorientation around the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. When theaerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, theaerosol-generating article may be centred in the cavity by means of thearrangement of the central susceptor arrangement.

The central susceptor arrangement may be hollow. The central susceptorarrangement may comprise at least two central susceptors defining ahollow cavity between the central susceptors. The hollow configurationof the central susceptor arrangement may enable airflow into the hollowcentral susceptor arrangement. The top airflow channel may extendthrough the hollow central susceptor arrangement. A wick may be providedwithin the hollow central susceptor arrangement. As described herein,preferably the central susceptor arrangement comprises at least twocentral susceptors. Preferably, gaps are provided between the at leasttwo central susceptors. As a consequence, airflow may be enabled throughthe central susceptor arrangement. The airflow may be enabled in adirection parallel or along the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.Preferably, by means of the gap, airflow may be enabled in a lateraldirection. Lateral airflow may enable aerosol generation due to contactbetween the incoming air and the aerosol-generating substrate of theaerosol-generating article through the gaps between the centralsusceptors. Heating of the central susceptor arrangement may lead toheating of a wick provided within the hollow central susceptorarrangement. Heating of the wick may lead to aerosol generation withinthe hollow central susceptor arrangement. Additionally or alternatively,heating of the central susceptor arrangement, when theaerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, may lead toaerosol generation within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. Thecentral susceptor arrangement may be configured to heat the inside ofthe aerosol-generating article. The aerosol may be drawn in a downstreamdirection through the hollow central susceptor arrangement.

The central susceptor arrangement may have a ring-shaped cross-section.The central susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two centralsusceptors defining a hollow cavity with a ring-shaped cross-section.The central susceptor arrangement may be tubular. If the centralsusceptor arrangement comprises at least two central susceptors, thecentral susceptors may be arranged to form the tubular central susceptorarrangement. Preferably, airflow is enabled through the centralsusceptor arrangement through gaps between the central susceptors.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise an elongate,preferably blade-shaped susceptor, or a cylinder-shaped susceptor. Theperipheral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two blade-shapedsusceptors. The blade-shaped susceptors may be arranged surrounding thecavity. The blade-shaped susceptors may be arranged parallel to thelongitudinal central axis of the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptors maybe arranged inside of the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptors may bearranged for holding the aerosol-generating article, when theaerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. The blade-shapedsusceptors may have flared downstream ends to facilitate insertion ofthe aerosol-generating article into the blade shaped susceptors. Air mayflow into the cavity between the blade-shaped susceptors. Gaps may beprovided between individual blade-shaped susceptors. The air maysubsequently contact or enter into the aerosol-generating article. Auniform penetration of the aerosol-generating article with air may beachieved in this way, thereby optimizing aerosol generation. Theperipheral susceptor arrangement may be configured to heat the outsideof the aerosol-generating article.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least twoperipheral susceptors. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprisemultiple peripheral susceptors. At least one of, preferably all of, theperipheral susceptors may be elongate. At least one of, preferably allof, the peripheral susceptors may be blade-shaped.

A downstream end portion of the peripheral susceptor arrangement may beflared. At least one of, preferably all of, the peripheral susceptorsmay have flared downstream end portions.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be arranged around the centrallongitudinal axis of the cavity. The peripheral susceptor arrangementmay be arranged around the central susceptor arrangement. If theperipheral susceptor arrangement comprises multiple peripheralsusceptors, each peripheral susceptor may be arranged equidistantparallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cavity.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may define an annular hollowcylinder-shaped cavity between the peripheral susceptor arrangement andthe central susceptor arrangement. The annular hollow cylinder-shapedcavity may be the cavity for insertion of the aerosol-generatingarticle. The central susceptor arrangement may be arranged in theannular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity. The annular hollowcylinder-shaped cavity may be configured to receive theaerosol-generating article.

The peripheral susceptor may have a ring-shaped cross-section. Theperipheral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two peripheralsusceptors defining a hollow cavity with a ring-shaped cross section.The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be tubular.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may have an inner diameter largerthan an outer diameter of the central susceptor arrangement. Between theperipheral susceptor arrangement and the central susceptor arrangement,the annular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity may be arranged.

The central susceptor arrangement and the peripheral susceptorarrangement may be coaxially arranged.

The induction coil may surround both the central susceptor arrangementand the peripheral susceptor arrangement. The first induction coil maysurround a first region of the central and peripheral susceptorarrangements. The second induction coil may surround a second region ofthe central and peripheral susceptor arrangements. A region surroundedby an induction coil may be configured as a heating zone as described inmore detail below.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a flux concentrator. The fluxconcentrator may be made from a material having a high magneticpermeability. The flux concentrator may be arranged surrounding theinduction heating element. The flux concentrator may concentrate themagnetic field lines to the interior of the flux concentrator therebyincreasing the heating effect of the susceptor arrangement by means ofthe induction coil, and prevent the alternating magnetic field from theinductor to interfere with other devices in the surroundings.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controllermay be electrically connected to the induction coil. The controller maybe electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the secondinduction coil. The controller may be configured to control theelectrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus themagnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

The power supply and the controller may be connected to the inductioncoil, preferably the first and second induction coils and configured toprovide the alternating electric current to each of the induction coilsindependently of each other such that, in use, the induction coils eachgenerate the alternating magnetic field. This means that the powersupply and the controller may be able to provide the alternatingelectric current to the first induction coil on its own, to the secondinduction coil on its own, or to both induction coils simultaneously.Different heating profiles may be achieved in that way. The heatingprofile may refer to the temperature of the respective induction coil.To heat to a high temperature, alternating electric current may besupplied to both induction coils at the same time. To heat to a lowertemperature or to heat only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrateof the aerosol-generating article or of the liquid in the wick,alternating electric current may be supplied to the first induction coilonly. Subsequently, alternating electric current may be supplied to thesecond induction coil only.

The controller may be connected to the induction coils and the powersupply. The controller may be configured to control the supply of powerto the induction coils from the power supply. The controller maycomprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, amicrocontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) orother electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The controllermay comprise further electronic components. The controller may beconfigured to regulate a supply of current to the induction coil(s).Current may be supplied to the induction coil(s) continuously followingactivation of the aerosol-generating device or may be suppliedintermittently, such as on a puff by puff basis.

The power supply and the controller may be configured to varyindependently the amplitude of the alternating electric current suppliedto each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil. Withthis arrangement, the strength of the magnetic fields generated by thefirst and second induction coils may be varied independently by varyingthe amplitude of the current supplied to each coil. This may facilitatea conveniently variable heating effect. For example, the amplitude ofthe current provided to one or both of the coils may be increased duringstart-up to reduce the initiation time of the aerosol-generating device.

The controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supplyon the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied tothe induction coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods ofduty-cycle management.

The first induction coil of the aerosol-generating device may form partof a first circuit. The first circuit may be a resonant circuit. Thefirst circuit may have a first resonant frequency. The first circuit maycomprise a first capacitor. The second induction coil may form part of asecond circuit. The second circuit may be a resonant circuit. The secondcircuit may have a second resonant frequency. The first resonancefrequency may be different from the second resonance frequency. Thefirst resonance frequency may be identical to the second resonancefrequency. The second circuit may comprise a second capacitor. Theresonant frequency of the resonant circuit depends on the inductance ofthe respective induction coil and the capacitance of the respectivecapacitor.

Both the top cartridge connector and the main cartridge connector maycomprise electrically conductive elements being adapted to establishelectric contact between the top portion and the main portion when thetop cartridge connector is directly attached to the main cartridgeconnector according to the second mode of operation. Alternatively or inaddition, both the top cartridge connector and the main cartridgeconnector may comprise electrically conductive elements being adapted toestablish electric contact between the top portion and the main portionwhen the top cartridge connector is attached to a proximal end of acartridge and the main cartridge connector is attached to a distal endof a cartridge according to the first mode of operation.

The invention may further relate to a system comprising anaerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generatingarticle comprising aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. Theaerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-formingsubstrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material including volatiletobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-formingsubstrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate maycomprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate maycomprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substratemay comprise homogenised tobacco material. Homogenised tobacco materialmay be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise agathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein,the term ‘crimped sheet’ denotes a sheet having a plurality ofsubstantially parallel ridges or corrugations.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former.An aerosol-former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compoundsthat, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol andthat is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at thetemperature of operation of the device. Suitable aerosol-formers arewell known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydricalcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine;esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate;and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such asdimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferredaerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such astriethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former isglycerine. Where present, the homogenised tobacco material may have anaerosol-former content of equal to or greater than 5 percent by weighton a dry weight basis, and preferably from 5 percent to 30 percent byweight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may compriseother additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to anarticle comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable ofreleasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, anaerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosolthat is directly inhalable by the user drawing or puffing on amouthpiece at a proximal or user-end of the device. Anaerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generatingarticle may be insertable into the cavity of the aerosol-generatingdevice.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples.Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined withany one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspectdescribed herein.

A: Cartridge for an aerosol-generating device comprising:

-   a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet,-   an upstream end comprising an air inlet,-   a liquid storage portion arranged between the downstream end and the    upstream end, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid    sensorial media, and-   a diffuser,

wherein the diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet.

B: The cartridge according to example A, wherein the diffuser isattached to the air inlet.

C: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser is arranged adjacent the air inlet.

D: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser is fluidly connected with the air inlet.

E: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser is disc-shaped.

F: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser is pad-shaped.

G: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser comprises a plurality of fibers.

H: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser comprises a plurality of interstices.

I: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thediffuser comprises a mesh.

J: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein afluid path is established between the air inlet, the diffuser, theliquid storage portion and the fluid outlet.

K: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein theair inlet is configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into thecartridge.

L: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thefluid outlet is configured to enable fluid to be drawn out of thecartridge.

M: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thefluid outlet comprises a one-way valve.

N: The cartridge according to example M, wherein the one-way valve ofthe fluid outlet protrudes from the downstream end.

O: The cartridge according to example M or N, wherein the one-way valveof the fluid outlet is made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.

P: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein theair inlet comprises a one-way valve.

Q: The cartridge according to example P, wherein the one-way valve ofthe air inlet protrudes from the upstream end.

R: The cartridge according to example P or Q, wherein the one-way valveof the air inlet is made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.

S: The cartridge according to any of examples M to O, wherein theone-way valve of the fluid outlet has a smaller diameter than theone-way valve of the air inlet.

T: The cartridge according to any of examples M to O or S, wherein theone-way valve of the fluid outlet has a diameter of between 0.75millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably of between 1 millimeters to 5millimeters, most preferable of between 1.5 millimeters to 3millimeters.

U: The cartridge according to any of examples P to R, wherein theone-way valve of the air inlet has a diameter of between 8 millimetersto 25 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 15millimeters.

V: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thecartridge has a height of between 7 millimeters to 40 millimeters,preferably of between 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters, most preferableof between 11 millimeters to 21 millimeters.

W: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein thecartridge comprises a housing.

X: The cartridge according to example , wherein the housing has athickness of between 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, preferable ofbetween 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, most preferable of between0.35 millimeters to 0.75 millimeters.

Y: The cartridge according to example W or X, wherein the housing has adouble wall.

Z: The cartridge according to any of examples W to Y, wherein thehousing comprises a transparent plastic or glass, preferablyborosilicate glass.

AA: The cartridge according to any of examples W to Z, wherein the airinlet is arranged in the housing.

AB: The cartridge according to any of examples W to AA, wherein thefluid outlet is arranged in the housing.

AC: The cartridge according to any of examples W to AB, wherein thehousing is at least partly opaque or transparent.

AD: The cartridge according to any of examples W to AC, wherein thehousing is fully opaque or transparent.

AE: The cartridge according to example AC or AD, wherein the opaque ortransparent part of the cartridge is UV-resistant.

AF: The cartridge according to any of examples AC to AE, wherein theopaque or transparent part of the cartridge comprises a UV-resistantpolymer.

AG: The cartridge according to any of examples AC to AF, wherein theopaque or transparent part of the cartridge comprises a UV-resistantcoating.

AH: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, whereinthe cartridge is cylindrical.

Al: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, whereinthe downstream end comprises electrical connection means.

AJ: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, whereinthe upstream end comprises electrical connection means.

AK: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, whereinthe liquid sensorial media comprises a flavorant.

AL: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, whereinthe liquid sensorial media comprises nicotine.

AM: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, whereinthe liquid sensorial media comprises water.

AN: Kit comprising at least two cartridges according to any of thepreceding examples.

AO: Kit according to example AN, wherein the kit comprises two or moreseries-connected cartridges.

AP: Kit according to example AN or AO, wherein the kit comprises two ormore parallel-connected cartridges.

AQ: Kit according to any of examples AN to AP, wherein the liquidsensorial media of one cartridge is different from the liquid sensorialmedia of the other cartridge.

AR: Kit according to any of examples AN to AQ, wherein the liquidsensorial media of one cartridge comprises one of nicotine, flavorantand water and the liquid sensorial media of the other cartridgecomprises a different one of nicotine, flavorant and water.

AS: Aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving anaerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, whereinthe aerosol-generating device is configured to removably receive acartridge according to any of examples A to AN or a kit according to anyof examples AN to AR.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be appliedto other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cartridge according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment comprising two cartridges;

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the cartridge;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating device using thecartridge shown in FIG. 4 ; and

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating device usingcartridges similar to the cartridges shown in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 1 shows a cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 comprises a liquid storageportion 12. Within the liquid storage portion 12, a liquid sensorialmedia 14 is provided. The liquid sensorial media 14 may comprise one ormore of flavorant, nicotine and water. In a preferred embodiment, theliquid sensorial media 14 is water.

The cartridge 10 comprises an air inlet 16. The air inlet 16 comprisesor is configured as a one-way valve 18. Through the air inlet 16,ambient air can enter the cartridge 10. Particularly, ambient air can bedrawn into the liquid storage portion 12 of the cartridge 10.

Fluidly attached to the air inlet 16, a diffuser 20 is provided. Thediffuser 20 is configured to laterally distribute the air entering theliquid storage portion 12 via the air inlet 16. The diffuser 20 is diskor pad-shaped. The diffuser 20 comprises a mesh of fibers. Between themesh of fibers, interstices are provided. Air entering through the airinlet 16 is drawn through the diffuser 20. After exiting the diffuser20, the air is configured as a multitude of bubbles drawn through theliquid sensorial media 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid sensorial media 14 fillsapproximately half of the liquid storage portion 12. This may representthat the liquid storage portion 12 is halfway used. A fresh liquidstorage portion 12 may be completely filled with liquid sensorial media14. At the downstream end of the cartridge 10, a fluid outlet 22 isprovided. The fluid outlet 22 may comprise or consist of a one-way valve24. The air entrained with liquid sensorial media 14 may exit thecartridge 10 through the fluid outlet 22.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device 26. Thecartridge 10 as described in conjunction with FIG. 1 can be used withthe aerosol-generating device 26. The aerosol-generating device 26comprises a top portion 28 and a main body 30.

Within the top portion 28, a cavity 32 is provided. The cavity 32 isconfigured such that an aerosol-generating article 34 can be insertedinto the cavity 32. The aerosol-generating article 34 comprises anaerosol-forming substrate. In or around the cavity 32, a heating elementfor heating the inner of the cavity 32 is provided. For aerosolgeneration, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generatingarticle 34 is heated by means of the heating element. At the same time,the heating element is configured to heat the air that is drawn into thecavity 32.

The air that is drawn into the cavity 32 is drawn through the cartridge10 before being drawn into the cavity 32. In other words, the cartridge10 is arranged upstream of the cavity 32. For drawing air into thecartridge 10, the main body 30 may comprise an inlet and an airflowchannel. The inlet of the main body 30 is fluidly connected with the airinlet 16 of the cartridge 10 via the airflow channel. For drawing airenriched with liquid sensorial media 14 from the fluid outlet 22 of thecartridge 10 into the cavity 32, a top airflow channel may be providedwithin the top portion 28.

The cartridge 10 is received in a receiving region 36 of theaerosol-generating device 26. The receiving region 36 is arrangedbetween the top portion 28 and the main body 30. The cartridge 10 ispreferably sandwiched between the top portion 28 and the main body 30.During use, a user may place the cartridge 10 between the top portion 28and the main body 30. Additionally, a user may insert theaerosol-generating article 34 into the cavity 32. Subsequently, a usermay activate the aerosol-generating device 26, preferably by pressing abutton, and draw on the aerosol-generating article 34. As a consequence,a negative pressure is created within the aerosol-generating device 26.Ambient air is therefore drawn into the aerosol-generating device 26.The ambient air is initially drawn through the cartridge 10. In thecartridge 10, the ambient air is enriched with the liquid sensorialmedia 14 of the cartridge 10. Exemplarily, the ambient air may beenriched with flavorant, nicotine or the humidity of the ambient air maybe increased due to the liquid sensorial media 14 comprising water.After passing the cartridge 10, the air is further drawn into the cavity32 and flows through the aerosol-forming substrate of theaerosol-generating article 34. The air is heated by means of the heatingelement and an aerosol inhalable by the user is formed.

The generated aerosol is a combination of the air being enriched by theliquid sensorial media 14 and by being heated and flowing through theaerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 34.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment, in which two cartridges 10 are attached toeach other. The cartridges 10 as shown in FIG. 3 have a rectangularcross-section in comparison to the circular cross-section of thecartridge 10 shown in FIG. 1 . This shows that the specific shape of thecartridges 10 can be chosen as appropriate. Instead of the specificcartridges 10 being stacked as shown in FIG. 3 , two cylindricalcartridges 10 as shown in FIG. 1 could be stacked, if appropriate.

The attachment between the individual cartridges 10 is facilitated bythe shape of the air inlet 16 and fluid outlet 22 of the respectivecartridges 10. The fluid outlet 22 is shaped such that the fluid outlet22 of one cartridge 10 can be inserted into the air inlet 16 of anothercartridge 10. The outer diameter of the fluid outlet 22 corresponds tothe inner diameter of the air inlet 16. The attachment between theindividual cartridges 10 is facilitated by a friction fit. As aconsequence of the attachment between the individual cartridges 10, airdrawn through the cartridges 10 is drawn through both cartridges 10. Asa consequence, liquid sensorial media 14 from both cartridges 10 isentrained in the air drawn through the cartridges 10. A user may choosedifferent cartridges 10 containing different liquid sensorial media 14to create a desired effect. Exemplarily, one cartridge 10 may be usedcomprising a nicotine-containing liquid sensorial media 14, while thesecond chosen cartridge 10 may comprise a flavorant-containing liquidsensorial media 14.

FIG. 4 shows a different embodiment for combining different liquidsensorial media 14. In this embodiment, a single cartridge 10 isprovided. However, two distinct liquid storage portions 12 are providedwithin the single cartridge 10. Each liquid storage portion 12 isconfigured similar to a cartridge 10 as described herein. Moreparticularly, each liquid storage portion 12 comprises an air inlet 16,liquid sensorial media 14, a diffuser 20 and a fluid outlet 22. As shownin FIG. 4 , the two liquid storage portions 12 are arranged next to eachother. Air drawn into the cartridge 10 is drawn through the individualliquid storage portions 12 in parallel. After exiting the individualliquid storage portions 12, the air is combined and flows through thefluid outlet 22 of the cartridge 10.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device 26, in whichtwo cartridges 10 are received in the receiving region 36 of theaerosol-generating device 26. Alternatively to providing two cartridges10 as shown in FIG. 5 , a cartridge 10 containing two individual liquidstorage portions 12 such as shown in FIG. 4 may be arranged in thereceiving region 36 for a similar effect.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating device 26, inwhich two cartridges 10 are stacked on top of each other similar to thearrangement of the cartridge 10 as shown in FIG. 3 . The air issubsequently drawn through the individual cartridges 10 for a desiredeffect.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating devicecomprising: a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet, wherein thefluid outlet comprises a one-way valve, an upstream end comprising anair inlet, wherein the air inlet comprises a one-way valve, a liquidstorage portion arranged between the downstream end and the upstreamend, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid sensorialmedia, and a diffuser, wherein the diffuser is arranged downstream ofthe air inlet, wherein the diffuser creates bubbles from an airflow inorder to entrain the liquid sensorial media in the generated bubbles,and wherein the diffuser is arranged adjacent the air inlet.
 24. Thecartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser is attached to theair inlet.
 25. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuseris fluidly connected with the air inlet.
 26. The cartridge according toclaim 23, wherein the diffuser is disc-shaped or pad-shaped.
 27. Thecartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser comprises aplurality of fibers and preferably plurality of interstices.
 28. Thecartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser comprises a mesh.29. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein a fluid path isestablished between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid storageportion and the fluid outlet.
 30. The cartridge according to claim 23,wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet protrudes from thedownstream end of the cartridge, and wherein the one-way valve of theair inlet protrudes from the upstream end of the cartridge.
 31. Thecartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve of the fluidoutlet has a smaller diameter than the one-way valve of the air inlet.32. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve ofthe fluid outlet has a diameter of between 0.75 millimeters to 7millimeters, preferably of between 1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, mostpreferable of between 1.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters.
 33. Thecartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve of the airinlet has a diameter of between 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters,preferably of between 9 millimeters to 15 millimeters.
 34. The cartridgeaccording to claim 23, wherein the cartridge comprises a housing, andwherein the housing preferably comprises a transparent plastic or glass,preferably borosilicate glass.
 35. The cartridge according to claim 34,wherein the housing is at least partly opaque or transparent.
 36. Thecartridge according to claim 35, wherein the opaque or transparent partof the cartridge is UV-resistant, wherein preferably the opaque ortransparent part of the cartridge comprises a UV-resistant polymer or aUV-resistant coating.
 37. The cartridge according to claim 23, whereinthe downstream end of the cartridge comprises electrical connectionmeans, and wherein the upstream end of the cartridge compriseselectrical connection means.
 38. The cartridge according to claim 23,wherein the liquid sensorial media comprises one or more of: flavorant,nicotine and water.
 39. A kit comprising at least two cartridgesaccording to claim
 23. 40. The kit according to claim 39, wherein thekit comprises two or more series-connected cartridges.
 41. The kitaccording to claim 39, wherein the liquid sensorial media of onecartridge is different from the liquid sensorial media of the othercartridge.
 42. An aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity forreceiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-formingsubstrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured toremovably receive a cartridge according to claim
 23. 43. Anaerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving anaerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, whereinthe device is configured to removably receive two or moreparallel-connected cartridges of the kit of claim 39.